Bag toss game systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A bag toss game target assembly and system that can be enjoyed by two or more people. The bag toss target assembly comprises a plurality of panels, at least one of which defines a plurality of apertures. The bag toss game system comprises a target assembly and a plurality of shots. The shots comprise a cover and a fill material. A method for playing a bag toss game comprises at least two players tossing shots at a target assembly and awarding points based on the resting location of the shots. The game may be won by the player winning the most number of points or rounds in the game.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The disclosure generally relates to bag toss games.

2. Description of Related Art

Some bag toss games test the skill of a player in guiding a projectile such that its trajectory passes through an opening in a surface placed at some distance from the player. The relative size of the opening and the projectile and the distance between the player and the opening are all factors in the difficulty of the game. Other parameters can also be adjusted to increase the challenge and entertainment value to participants.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a target assembly comprises a top panel defining at least three apertures, a side panel connected to the top panel, a second side panel connected to the top panel, a front panel connected to at least one of the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel, and a rear panel connected to at least one of the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a bag toss game system comprises a target assembly comprising a top panel with first, second, and third apertures, two side panels connected to the top panel, a front panel connected to at least one of the side panels, and a rear panel connected to at least one of the side panels; and at least one shot comprising a cover and a fill material.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a method for playing a bag toss game comprises placing a target assembly on a surface, the target assembly comprising a top panel defining at least three apertures, a first player tossing a first shot at the target assembly from a set distance, a second player tossing a second shot at the target assembly from a set distance, awarding points to the players based on the resting location of the shots, declaring the winner of a round to be the player who scored the most number of point in the round, and declaring the winner of a game to be the player who scored the most number of rounds in a game. One point may be awarded to a player whose shot landed on the target assembly and stayed on the target assembly but did not go through an aperture; four points may be awarded to a player for a shot that goes through the first aperture; three points may be awarded to a player for a shot that goes through the second aperture; and two points may be awarded to a player for a shot that goes through the third aperture.

In some embodiments of the disclosure, a method for modifying the difficulty of a bag toss game may comprise identifying one or more players who will likely play the bag toss game; assessing an estimated difficulty level with which the one or more players will likely enjoy playing the bag toss game; and implementing changes to the bag toss game to make the game more or less difficult based upon the estimated difficulty level with which the players will likely enjoy playing the bag toss game, including any of the following changes: change an angle between a top surface of a bag toss game target relative to horizontal; change the size of one or more holes on the top surface of the bag toss game; change the size of one or more shots used to play the bag toss game; change a distance from a player to the bag toss game target; change the number of shots thrown per player; change the composition of the shots; change a surface characteristic of the top surface of the bag toss game target; change the visibility of the bag toss game target relative to the player; change the weight of the shot; and change the shape of the shot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method to practice the bag toss game.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a target assembly.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a target assembly.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a target assembly.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of a target assembly.

FIG. 8 is a left side elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a target assembly.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a shot.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a shot.

FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of a shot.

FIG. 14 is left side elevation view of a shot.

FIG. 15 is a right side elevation view of a shot.

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of a shot.

FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of a shot.

FIG. 18 is a figure of a free body diagram.

FIG. 19 is an embodiment of a bag toss game.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a target assembly.

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of a target assembly.

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 23 is a rear elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of a target assembly.

FIG. 25 is a bottom plan view of a target assembly.

FIG. 26 is a left side elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 27 is a right side elevation view of a target assembly.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a target assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The game of cornhole is played with two players (singles) or four players (doubles) using two targets. Each target is approximately two feet wide by four feet long. A single hole is present in the board, centered approximately nine inches from the top back edge of the target. The target is angled such that the back edge of the target is about 12 inches off the ground, while the front edge is just a few inches from the ground. Each target is placed on the ground, with the front edges of the targets closest to each other. Approximately 27 feet separates the front edges of the two targets. The game also includes eight bags (four bags per player if playing singles; two bags per player if playing doubles). The bags are usually made of low quality fabric and filled with dried corn or other pellet-like material. The bags are usually square and approximately seven inches long per side.

To play the game with two players, each player gets four bags. The first player stands on either side of the first cornhole target and serially tosses each of his four bags toward the second cornhole target. No part of the player's body may touch the ground ahead of the front edge of the first cornhole target. After the first and second players toss each of their four bags from the first cornhole target, both players walk to the second target and collect their bags. Each player then stands next to the second target and tosses their bags toward the first target.

Points are totaled after each player tossed all of their four bags. Points may be scored by either landing the bags on the target (one point per bag on the board) or getting the bag to go through the hole (three points per bag through the hole). The first player to reach 21 points wins the game.

Methods of Playing Bag Toss Game

Some embodiments of a bag toss game system comprise a target assembly 50 and one or more shots 400. The target assembly 50 may comprise one or more panels. At least one panel may define one or more apertures. A method of playing a bag toss game is illustrated in FIG. 1. The target assembly 50 may be placed on a surface, as illustrated in step 510. The surface may include the ground, a floor, a table or platform, or other suitable surface that can adequately support the target assembly 50. A first player may toss one or more shots 400 at the target assembly 50, as illustrated in step 520. After a first player takes his or her turn, a second player may toss one or more shots 400 at the target assembly, as illustrated in step 520. After the second player has gone, the first player may toss additional shots, as illustrated in step 530, or points may be awarded based on the resting places of the players' shots, as illustrated in step 540. Various points may be awarded to each player based on whether the shot 400 lands on the target assembly 50, or whether one or more of the shots 400 travel through an aperture. More points may be awarded if the shot 400 travels through specific apertures. After points are awarded in step 540, the first player may toss additional shots, or the winner of the round may be declared, as illustrated in step 550. A round may comprise one or more players taking turns tossing the shots 400, from a set distance, at the target assembly 50, in an attempt to project the shot 400 through one or more of the apertures. A round may be won by one player accumulating more points for that round. After the winner of a round is declared, the first player may toss additional shots 400, or the winner of the game may be declared, as illustrated in step 560. The winner of the game may be determined by which player accumulates more points, or which player wins the most rounds.

In some embodiments of the method, the target assembly 50 can be placed on a surface such as the ground or a floor. Each of two players is given three shots 400. Each player stands at the same set distance (or further if he chooses) and tossed each of his three shots 400 at the target assembly 50. After both players have tossed all of their shots 400 at the target assembly 50, the round is scored. One point is awarded for a shot 400 that lands on the target assembly 50 but does not go through any of the apertures; two points are awarded for any shot 400 that goes through the largest aperture; three points are awarded for any shot 400 that goes through the next smallest aperture; and four points are awarded for any shot 400 that goes through the smallest aperture. The player that scores the most points in that round, wins the round. Subsequent rounds may then be played. The winner of the game is the player who wins the most number of rounds. A game may be decided by the player that wins two rounds out of three, three out of five, four rounds out of seven, or similar ratio of rounds. A game may also comprise a single round; in that case, the winner of the round is the winner of the game.

Target Assembly

In some embodiments, the target assembly 50 comprises a top panel 105, a first side panel 150, a second side panel 200, a front panel 250, and a rear panel 300. As shown in FIGS. 2-9, the edges of top panel 100 may be connected to the other panels. The panels may be formed from solid wood, plywood, other layered wood products, composite materials, metal, plastic, or any other combination of structurally adequate materials. Portions of the panels may be modified for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. For instance, the edges of the panels may be contoured or sanded to round the edges and create a smoother edge surface. Or, the surfaces of the panels may be smoothed or textured for different effects. The panels may be connected using various attachment techniques. For instance, the panels may be glued, nailed, or screwed together, or may be connected using dowels, slots, mortises and tenons, brackets, or other attachment techniques. In some embodiments, the panels are formed using ¾ inch plywood and are joined using nails or screws. The panels may be finished using a variety of products including sealers, varnish, stain, lacquer, paint, decals, acrylic, or other suitable finishes. The exact surface finish may affect the challenge of the game and the enjoyment experience, and specific finishes may be desired by the players or participants.

For example, the top panel 100 may be made from ¾ inch plywood wherein the edges of the panel are rounded resulting in a smooth edge. The top panel 100 may be between approximately 17 and 30 inches long and between approximately 10 and 22 inches wide. The top panel 100 can be approximately 23 inches long and approximately 16 inches wide. The width 600 and length 605 of the top panel 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 28. The top panel 100 may comprise a first aperture 105, a second aperture 110, and a third aperture 115. The first aperture 105 may be approximately 3.75 inches in diameter and its center is located approximately 4 inches from the front edge of the top panel 100 and approximately in the horizontal center of the top panel 100. The second aperture 110 may approximately 4.5 inches in diameter and its center is located approximately 10.5 inches from the front edge of the top panel 100 and approximately in the horizontal center of the top panel 100. The third aperture may be approximately 5.25 inches in diameter and its center is located approximately 18 inches from the front edge of the top panel 100 and approximately in the horizontal center of the top panel 100. The edges of the apertures, 105, 110, 115, may be contoured or sanded similar to the edges of the panels. In some embodiments, the sizes and locations of the apertures may vary. For instance, the top panel 100 may comprise only a first aperture 105 and second aperture 110; or the top panel 100 may comprise a first aperture 105 that is the same diameter as the third aperture 115; or the top panel 100 may comprise three apertures that are horizontally oriented across the top panel 100. Other variations may be suitable.

The first side panel 150 may comprise a ¾ inch plywood panel. The panel 150 may be between approximately 15 inches and 27 inches long; between 3 and 5 inches high at the front edge; and between 8 inches and 14 inches high at the rear edge. The first side panel 150 may be approximately 22 inches long, 4.5 inches high at the front edge, and 10 inches high at the rear edge. The height 610 and length 615 of the first side panel 150 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 28. The top edge of the first side panel 150 may be connected to the under surface of the top panel 100. The first side panel 150 may be connected to the top panel 100 using any suitable attachment techniques, include those listed above. Screws may be inserted at an angle, into the inner surface of the first side panel 150, such that the screws engage the bottom surface of the top panel 100 and generally secure the top panel 100 to the first side panel 150. In some embodiments, the angle of the top panel 100 relative to at least part of the bottom surfaces of the first side panel 150 and/or the second side panel 200 may be between approximately 0 degrees and approximately 60 degrees. In other embodiments, the top panel 100 may be between approximately 10 degrees and 25 degrees. In other embodiments, the top panel 100 may be at an approximately 14 degree angle. The bottom edge of the first side panel 150 may be contoured for utility, aesthetic, or other purposes. In one embodiment, the bottom edge of the first side panel 150 comprises a cutout 155. In some embodiments, the angle of the top panel 100 may be measured relative to the surface upon which the target assembly 50 is set, and may generally be within the ranges noted above.

The second side panel 200, may be substantially similar to the first side panel 150, may serve substantially the same functions as the first side panel 150, and may be connected to the top panel 100 in substantially the same way as the first side panel 150. However, it is not necessary that the first and second side panels 150, 200 be exactly, or even substantially, the same. The second side panel 200 may also comprise a cutout 205.

The front panel 250 may comprise a ¾ inch plywood panel that is between approximately 10 and 17 inches wide and between approximately 3 and 5 inches high. The front panel 250 may be approximately 14 inches wide and 4 inches high. The height 620 and width 625 of the front panel 250 is illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 28. The front panel may comprise a cutout 255 that is similar in design to the first and second side panel cutouts 155, 205. The front panel 250 may be connected to the top panel 100 using any suitable attachment techniques, including those listed above. The front panel 250 may abut, but not be connected to, the top panel 100. The front panel 250 also may not directly contact the top panel 100. In some embodiments, the side edges of the front panel 250 are connected to the inner surface of the first and/or second side panels 150, 200. A decorative screw or other fastener may be disposed through the first and/or second side panels 150, 200 and engage at least part of the side edges of the front panel 250.

The rear panel 300 may comprise a ¾ inch plywood panel that is between approximately 10 and 17 inches wide and between approximately 3 and 14 inches high. The rear panel 300 may also be approximately 14 inches wide and approximately 4 inches high. The rear panel may comprise a cutout 305 that is similar in design to the first and second side panel cutouts 155, 205 and/or the front panel cutout 255. In some embodiments, the rear panel 300 is not connected to the top panel 100, but is instead disposed near the bottom of the first and second side panels 150, 200. Since the top edge of the rear panel 300 may be shorter than the rear edge of the first and second side panels 150, 200, a rear opening 310 may be disposed between the rear panel 300 and the top panel 100. The rear opening 310 may be used to access the interior of the target assembly 50, or may be disposed on the target assembly 50 for a different reason. In some embodiments, the rear panel 300 is substantially the same height as the rear edges of the first and second side panels 150, 200, such that no rear opening 310 may be present, or only a small rear opening 310 may be present. The side edges of the rear panel 300 are connected to the inner surface of the first and/or second side panels 150, 200. A decorative screw or other fastener may be disposed through the first and/or second side panels 150, 200 and engage at least part of the side edges of the rear panel 300.

The bottom of the target assembly 50 may be generally open and may or may not comprise a separate panel. However, some embodiments may include other panels that leave the bottom of the target assembly 50 either partially or fully concealed on the bottom surface. The bottom edges of the first and second side panels 150, 200, the front panel 250, and the rear panel 300, may comprise support surfaces 320 on which the target assembly 50 may rest. The support surfaces 320 may be augmented to include a protecting or gripping feature. The protecting or gripping feature may prevent the target assembly 50 from accidentally moving during use, or may protect the support surfaces 320 from damage. Further, the protecting or gripping feature may protect the surface on which the target assembly 50 is located. The protecting or gripping features may comprise rubber, foam, plastic, wood, or other material, and an adhesive layer through which the protecting or gripping feature may be attached to at least part of the support surfaces.

The interior of the target assembly 50 may be generally open and may or may not contain additional features. In some embodiments, the interior of the target assembly 50 comprises additional panels that may provide additional support to one or more other panels. The interior may comprise hooks, shelves, bags, or compartments that can provide additional features to the user before, during, and after use.

As shown in FIGS. 20-27, the target assembly 50 may comprise various sized holes in different locations. Some of the features depicted in FIGS. 20-27 may be substantially similar to the features depicted in FIGS. 2-9. The fact that some elements in FIGS. 20-27 are not numbered or specifically described herein should not indicate that those features are necessarily the same or different from similar features that have been numbered and/or described in FIGS. 2-9.

Shots

As shown in FIGS. 11-17, a shot 400 may comprise a cover 405 and a fill material (not shown). The cover 405 may comprise a variety of materials and fabrics. For instance, the cover 405 may comprise a textured leather-like or faux leather material. The fill material may comprise any suitable substance that provides a suitable weight and/or feel. In some embodiments, the fill material comprises playground sand. The shot 400 may be approximately 4.5 inches in diameter, and approximately ¾ inches thick after the fill material has been added. The shot 400 may be between 6 and 10 ounces. In some embodiments, each shot 400 weighs approximately 8 ounces; however, the actual weight of each individual shot 400 may vary slightly. The shot 400 may comprise a first shot surface 410 and a second shot surface 415. The first and second shot surfaces 410, 415 may comprise the same material or fabric or may be different materials or fabrics. Additionally, the first and second shot surfaces 410, 415 may be the same color or may be different colors. The shots 400 used by a first player may be generally similar to the shots 400 used by a second player, but may be different colors or color combinations, in order to distinguish which player threw which shot 400 at the target assembly 50. The bag toss game system may comprise two, four, six, eight, or other number of shots 400. In some embodiments, the bag toss game system comprises six shots 400, such that each player uses three different shots 400 per round.

A shot 400 may be produced by sewing or otherwise attaching the first and second shot surfaces 410, 415 most of the way around the shot perimeter 420. The fill material may then be added to the interior of the shot 400. The shot perimeter 420 may then be completely sewn or otherwise sealed such that the fill material is substantially encased within the interior of the shot 400.

Material Interactions

The material used for the shots 400, the composition of the top panel 100, and the surface finish on the top panel 100, may be coordinated such that the shot 400 has a certain coefficient of dynamic and/or static friction relative to the top surface of the top panel 100. The coefficient of static friction may be defined as the inverse tangent of the angle at which a first body begins to move along a second body, or μ_(S)=a tan(α). In this disclosure, the coefficient of static friction may be defined as the inverse tangent of the angle of the top panel 400, relative to horizontal, at which the shot 400 begins to move along the top panel 100. As shown in FIG. 18, a is the angle of the top panel 100 relative to horizontal, m is the mass of the shot 400, g is the acceleration of gravity, N is the normal force, and f is the force of friction on the shot 400 by the top panel 100. The normal force N is equal to the mass of the shot 400, multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, multiplied by the cosine of α, or N=m*g*cos(α). The frictional force applied by the top panel 100 to the shot 400 is equal to the mass of the shot 400, multiplied by the acceleration of gravity, multiplied by the sine of α, or f=m*g*sin(α). The maximum force applied by the top panel 100 to the shot 400 (if the shot 400 is stationary) is equal to the coefficient of static friction (μ_(S)) multiplied by the normal force, or f_(MAX)=μ_(S)*N. The coefficient of static friction between the shot 400 and the top panel 100 may be between approximately 0.1 and 1.6; or the coefficient of static friction may be between approximately 0.35 and 1.0; or, the coefficient of static friction may be approximately 0.6.

To change the coefficient of static friction between the shot 400 and the top panel 100, one or more changes may be made. For instance, to increase the coefficient of static friction between the shot 400 and the top panel 100, one may make any of the following changes: give the top panel 100 a rough surface; give the top panel 100 a bumpy or contoured surface; apply a different surface finish to the top panel 100; make the shots 400 out of a different material or fabric; change the temperature of the top panel 100 and/or the shot 400; or change the humidity of the environment surrounding the top panel 100 and/or the shot 400. Other changes may be made as well that would increase or decrease the coefficient of static friction between the shot 400 and the top panel 100.

Modifications of Game

One may make the bag toss game easier or more difficult to play. The desire to make the bag toss game easier or more difficult to play may depend on the intended players of the game or the intended environment in which the game is played. The intended players of the game may be identified in a myriad of ways, including but not limited to, asking individuals whether they are interested or observing which individuals may be generally interested in playing the game. It may be desirable to make the game easier to play if the game is intended to be played by children. Or, it may be desirable to make the game easier to play if the game is intended to be played in a relatively short period of time. On the other hand, it may be desirable to make the game more difficult to play if the game is intended for adults and/or intended for an environment where playing the game quickly is a lower priority. To change the difficulty of the bag toss game, one or more of the following changes may be made: increase or decrease the coefficient of static friction between the shot 400 and the top panel 100; increase or decrease the angle at which the top panel 100 rests relative to horizontal; increase the size of the holes in the top panel 100; increase the number of holes in the top panel 100; increase the overall dimensions of the top panel 100; change the size of the shots 400; decrease the distance from the player to the target assembly; increase the number of shots 400 thrown per person; change the material of the shots; change the surface finish of the top panel 100; decrease the visibility of the target assembly relative to the player; change the weight or overall shape of the shots 400; elongate the apertures 105, 110, 115, or make them different shapes; add lights to some part of the target assembly 50, the lights may include flashing lights; and/or add contrasting colors or generally deceptive decorations to the target assembly 50, especially adjacent the apertures. Other changes may be made to the target assembly, the shots, the rules, or the location of the target assembly relative to the player in order to modify the difficulty at which the bag toss game is played.

The bag toss game described herein has several aspects that make the game both challenging and enjoyable. One challenge that players may experience may be the view of the top panel 100 on the target assembly 50. For instance, when the target assembly 50 is placed at an appropriate distance from the player, the player does not necessarily have an unobstructed view of the top panel 100. Since the player is some distance from the target assembly 50, and the top panel 100 is not perpendicular to the player's line of sight, the player may only see an angled view of the top panel 100, and the target assembly 50 may appear similar to that shown in FIG. 4. As seen in FIG. 4, only portions of the one or more holes 105, 110, 115 are visible from that angle. Changing the angle of the top panel 100 relative to horizontal may make it easier or more challenging for the player to view the holes accurately. For instance, as shown in FIG. 19, the angular size of the aperture, (3, as observed by the player, may be smaller when the top panel 100 is tilted away from the player. When the top panel 100 is tilted more towards the player, the angular size of the aperture, (3, may increase, and may make the aperture easier to hit. The angle of the top panel 100 relative to horizontal may be changed by tilting the entire target assembly 50, changing one or more dimensions of the target assembly 50, placing the target assembly 50 on a non-horizontal surface, or by various other means.

In some embodiments, a player participating in a bag toss game may be able to improve his or her performance. In such instances, some improvements may be more beneficial to the player's performance than others. The ability to increase one's playing performance through discrete improvements in technique, strategy, execution, and/or philosophy may make the game more enjoyable for the player and give at least some extra incentive to continue playing the game periodically.

In some embodiments, a bag toss game is played by placing the target assembly 50 on a suitable surface, as illustrated in FIG. 19. A player may then stand a certain distance, D, away from the target assembly 50. In order to improve one's performance at the bag toss game, one may choose to focus on the speed at which the shot 400 is released from one's hand. For instance, the speed of the shot 400 at the point it is released from the player's hand may have a dramatic effect upon how close the shot 400 comes to going through an aperture 105, 110, 115, or lands on the top panel 100. If the shot 400 is released with too much velocity, it may have a tendency to go beyond the target assembly 50. If the shot 400 is released with not enough velocity, it may have a tendency to land short of the target assembly 50. Furthermore, a shot 400 released at a higher velocity may be more difficult for the player to control and launch accurately.

In some embodiments, the style of throw used by the player may affect the player's performance. A player may choose to launch the shot 400 in a variety of methods. Some of the styles of throw may include overhand, underhand, and sidearm. While some players may prefer a certain style of throwing for different reasons, some players may find that an underhand throw is an effective means of launching the shot 400 with the desired speed and accuracy. Players may also find, in some embodiments, that an underhand throw is a comfortable method of launching the shot 400 towards the target assembly 50 that comports with at least some parts of the rest of the bag toss game.

In some embodiments, the release point, or point in the player's throwing motion at which the shot 400 is released from the player's hand, is an important aspect of a player's performance. If a player releases the shot 400 too early in their underhand throwing motion, the shot 400 may have a tendency to have too low of a trajectory 700 and land short of the target assembly 50. If a player releases the shot 400 too late in their underhand throwing motion, the shot 400 may have a tendency to have too high of a trajectory 705 and overshoot the target assembly 50. FIG. 19 illustrates one example of a shot 400 travelling in a high trajectory 705, and one example of a shot 400 traveling in a low trajectory 700. Other examples of high trajectories and of low trajectories may be possible. Furthermore, a shot 400 may travel in a high 705 or low 700 trajectory and still not hit the target assembly 50. In other cases, if the player releases the shot 400 much too late in their underhand throwing motion, the shot 400 may have a tendency to have a very high trajectory but not travel very far horizontally, resulting in the shot also landing short of the target assembly 50. Therefore, improving the release point of the shot 400 may improve the player's game performance.

In some embodiments, the stance of the player may affect the player's performance during the bag toss game. For instance, it may be advantageous for the player to stand up generally straight with his or her shoulders generally square to the target assembly 50. Other players may find it more advantageous to angle their upper body slightly so that the player's throwing arm is slightly or modestly closer to the target assembly 50 as compared to the player's non-throwing arm. During the throwing motion, some players may find it advantageous to lean slightly forward such that the release point of the shot 400 is closer to the target assembly 50, as compared to the distance from the player's release point to the target assembly 50 if the player was standing more vertical. By leaning forward slightly during at least part of the throwing motion, the distance from the player's release point to the target assembly 50 may be decreased which may result in a better game performance. In leaning forward, some players may find it helpful to extend at least part of one leg away from the target assembly 50 in order to better balance during the throwing motion.

In some embodiments, the trajectory of the shot 400 through the air may improve the player's game performance. Even if the shot 400 descends down onto the top panel 100 at the end of the shot's trajectory, the angle and velocity at which the shot 400 contacts the top panel 100 may affect the player's performance. For instance, one strategy may be to launch the shot 400 with a relatively high velocity, but at a relatively early release point. This combination may result in the shot 400 having a very low trajectory 700 and impacting the top panel 100, but perhaps in an undesirable manner. In this scenario, the shot 400 may have a tendency to deflect away from the top panel 100 and continue past the target assembly 50. This may be undesirable since the final landing position of the shot 400 would be away from the target assembly 50 and the player may then no receive any points. In another example, one strategy may be to launch the shot 400 with a relatively high velocity, but at a relatively late release point. This combination may result in the shot 400 having a very high trajectory 705 and impacting the top panel 100, but perhaps in another undesirable manner. In this scenario, the shot 400 may have a tendency to bounce or otherwise deflect off the top panel 100 and land close to, but off of, the target assembly 50 and top panel 100. Here, the player may also receive no points from this throw. Therefore, it may be advantageous to some players to launch the shot 400 at just the right speed and just the right release point, such that the shot 400 impacts the top panel 100 at a more downward direction, but without excessive velocity. The ability to combine at least these two criteria, release point and release velocity, may make the game more challenging and enjoyable for the player. The ability of the player to improve his or her technique in these two areas by playing the game more frequently may make the game more desirable to play.

In some embodiments, the trajectory of the shot 400 through the air may affect the ability of the shot 400 to land on the top panel 100 of the target assembly 50. For instance, a shot 400 that is launched with a relatively low trajectory 700 will travel more directly at the target assembly 50 in a head-on direction. Since the top panel 100 may be the only part of the target assembly 50 on which shot 400 may ultimately rest, the top panel 100 as a target may be relatively small when the shot 400 impacts the top panel 100 head-on. For instance, a shot 400 traveling towards the top panel 100 with a low trajectory 700 may have a target that resembles the target assembly 50 in FIG. 4. In contrast, a shot 400 that is traveling with a relatively high trajectory 705 may impact the top panel 100 in a more downward direction. There, the target may more resemble the target assembly in FIG. 6. Notice that the target assembly 50 as viewed in FIG. 6 may be generally easier to hit than the target assembly 50 as viewed in FIG. 4. Therefore, it may be advantageous to launch the shot 400 in such a manner so as to allow the shot 400 to impact the top panel 100 and target assembly 50 in a downward manner, to increase the chances that the shot 400 will not only hit the top panel 100, but will remain on the top panel 100.

In some embodiments, some orientations of the shot 400 as it travels through the air may be advantageous to the player. The advantage may come from the way that the shot 400 travels through the air, or may come from the way that the shot 400 impacts the top panel 100. For instance, it may be more advantageous for the shot 400 to impact the top panel 100 in such a manner that part of a broad surface of the shot 400 contacts the broad surface of the top panel 100. The broad surface of the shot 400 may comprise parts of the first shot surface 410 or the second shot surface 415. This orientation, of broad surface to broad surface, may make the shot 400 less likely to deflect away from the target assembly 50. Even knowing that more points may be awarded to the player if he or she can launch the shot 400 and have it go through an aperture of the target assembly 50, some points may still be awarded if the shot 400 does not go through an aperture, but instead rests on the top panel 100. A shot 400 that impacts the top panel 100, with certain orientations, may be more likely to remain on the top panel 100 than be deflected off. One way to increase the chances that the shot 400 will impact the top panel 100 with the shot's broad surface is for the player to release the shot 400 in such a manner that the shot 400 remains relatively horizontal, with a broad surface generally continually facing a downward direction, throughout the duration of its flight. A player may be able to improve his or her technique in this area by playing the game more frequently, which may the game more desirable to play.

In some embodiments, shot location strategy may be important. For instance, if a first player's shot 400 is currently on the top panel 100, it may be advantageous for the second player to launch his or her shot 400 such that it knocks the first player's shot off of the top panel 100, which may result in the first player not receiving any points for that shot.

In some embodiments, a shot 400 launched with a relatively high velocity and trajectory 705 may result in the shot 400 impacting the top panel 100 with a high velocity in such a manner so as to shake the target assembly 50 or cause it to move. This may be advantageous in some situations. For instance, a player's first shot 400 may have landed on the top panel 100 very close to, or overhanging, the edge of an aperture. If the first shot remained at that location, the player may only be awarded a single point for getting a shot 400 to remain on the top panel 100. However, if the first shot were to go through the aperture, the player may be awarded more than one point; for instance, the player may be awarded 2, 3, or 4 points, depending on the rules of the game. Therefore, it may be advantageous for the player to launch his or her second shot 400 in such a manner that the second shot's impact on the top panel 100 may cause or encourage the first shot to fully travel through the aperture, resulting in more points for the player. This may be accomplished by launching the second shot with a relatively high velocity and relatively late release point, resulting in a shot that travels with a high trajectory 705, and comes down to impact the top panel 100 with a relatively high velocity, causing the target assembly 50 and top panel 100 to shake or vibrate, such that the first shot falls through the aperture. In some instances, this technique may also result in the second shot remaining on the top panel 100, resulting in even more points awarded to the player.

As has been shown, different techniques may be available to a player such that the player can improve his or her performance by repeatedly playing the bag toss game. By focusing on various, discrete aspects of the game, the player may be able to improve his or her technique and/or strategy. Being able to continually improve his or her game by repeated performances may encourage the player to play the game more frequently.

The above description is merely illustrative. Having thus described several aspects of at least one embodiment of this invention including the preferred embodiments, it is to be appreciated that various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are by way of example only. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A target assembly comprising: a top panel defining at least three apertures; a first side panel connected to the top panel; a second side panel connected to the top panel; a front panel connected to at least one of the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; and a rear panel connected to a least one of the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel.
 2. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein the top panel further comprises a first aperture comprising a diameter, a second aperture comprising a diameter, and a third aperture comprising a diameter, wherein the diameter of the second aperture is larger than the diameter of the first aperture, but smaller than the diameter of the third aperture.
 3. The target assembly of claim 2, wherein the first aperture, the second aperture, and the third aperture are disposed substantially in a row.
 4. The target assembly of claim 1, wherein when the target assembly is placed on a surface, the top panel is at an angle between 0 and 60 degrees relative to the surface.
 5. The target assembly of claim 4, wherein the angle of the top panel relative to the surface is between approximately 13 and 17 degrees.
 6. A bag toss game system comprising: a target assembly comprising a top panel defining a first aperture, a second aperture, and a third aperture; two side panels connected to the top panel; a front panel connected to at least one of the side panels; and a rear panel connected to at least one of the side panels; and at least 1 shot comprising a cover and a fill material.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the cover comprises a leathery material.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein the fill material comprises sand.
 9. The system of claim 6, wherein the shot weighs approximately 8 ounces.
 10. The system of claim 6, further comprising a coefficient of static friction between the top panel and the shot, wherein the coefficient of static friction is between approximately 0.35 and 1.0.
 11. The system of claim 6, wherein the coefficient of static friction is approximately 0.6.
 12. A method for playing a bag toss game comprising: placing a target assembly on a surface, the target assembly comprising a top panel defining at least three apertures; a first player tossing a first shot at the target assembly from a set distance from the target assembly; a second player tossing a second shot at the target assembly from a set distance from the target assembly; awarding one point to a player whose shot landed on the target assembly and stayed on the target assembly but did not go through an aperture of the target assembly; awarding four points to a player whose shot went through the first aperture; awarding three points to a player whose shot went through the second aperture; and awarding two points to a player whose shot went through the third aperture; declaring the winner of a round to be the player who scored the most points in the round; and declaring the winner of a game to be the player who won the most number of rounds in the game.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the first player tossing three shots at the target assembly.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the second player tossing three shots at the target assembly.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the game comprises one round.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the game comprises seven rounds.
 17. A method of modifying the difficulty of a bag toss game comprising: Identifying one or more players who will likely play the bag toss game; Assessing an estimated difficulty level with which the one or more players will likely enjoy playing the bag toss game; and Implementing changes to the bag toss game to make the game more or less difficult based upon the estimated difficulty level with which the one or more players will likely enjoy playing the bag toss game, including any of the following changes: change an angle between a top surface of a bag toss game target relative to horizontal; change the size of one or more holes on the top surface of the bag toss game; change the size of one or more shots used to play the bag toss game; change a distance from a player to the bag toss game target; change the number of shots thrown per player; change the composition of the shots; change a surface characteristic of the top surface of the bag toss game target; change the visibility of the bag toss game target relative to the player; change the weight of the shot; and change the shape of the shot. 